Zhu Yan looked at everyone with a guilty expression. “I know it’s late, and waiting here is torturous for all of you. However, we can’t leave until we’ve cleared things up. Please bear with us.”
“It’s truly unbelievable that something like this would happen,” someone remarked. “The newlyweds were a perfect match of talent and beauty. Who would want to tear them apart?”
“That’s precisely the issue,” Zhu Yan quickly responded. “Sometimes, the most unexpected things are the ones that occur. Today’s incident happened because no one was prepared, giving the culprit an opportunity.”
A woman complained, “So one person’s mistake means we all have to suffer? I’m about to fall asleep. Sir, please hurry up with your investigation.”
“Certainly, we will,” Zhu Yan replied to the woman. Then, she turned to address everyone with a serious expression. “Until we clarify the situation, everyone is a suspect. Is the best man here? I have some questions I’d like to ask. Could you please step forward?”
“Xu Jize, the official is looking for you. Come out and respond,” someone called out from the crowd.
The crowd stirred, but to everyone’s surprise, they realized that Xu Jize wasn’t among them.
Someone in the crowd spoke up, “I saw Constable Mo take a few people out for questioning earlier. Xu Jize might be among them. Perhaps we should wait and see, sir.”
Zhu Yan could only wait patiently. Moments later, Constable Mo returned with the guests he had taken for questioning. As Zhu Yan expected, Xu Jize wasn’t among them.
“How has another person gone missing?” someone asked.
“Indeed, people keep disappearing one after another,” another chimed in.
The crowd buzzed with discussion, but they hadn’t considered Xu Jize as a potential suspect.
Zhu Yan’s thoughts differed from theirs. Being new to the area, she didn’t know anyone well and could only form a vague impression of Xu Jize based on what others had said. With the culprit still unidentified and Xu Jize now missing, he had become a prime suspect.
Some yamen runners hurried to calm the guests, while Mo Qianzi approached Zhu Yan. “Madam Shen, are you suspecting Xu Jize?”
Zhu Yan’s brow furrowed deeper as she replied sternly, “Until we identify the culprit, everyone is a suspect. It all depends on the evidence. His absence at this time can only lead to speculation.”
Upon hearing this, Mo Qianzi chuckled lightly, his expression one of admiration. “As expected of someone from the Grand Chancellor’s office. Your words and actions are indeed extraordinary.”
Intrigued by Mo Qianzi’s words, Zhu Yan asked, “From your tone, Lord Mo, it seems you’re quite familiar with the Grand Chancellor?”
Mo Qianzi smiled without answering and turned to attend to other matters.
Zhu Yan watched Mo Qianzi’s retreating figure, lost in thought. She had been sent to investigate him, and he seemed to possess some remarkable qualities. On the surface, he appeared diligent and honest, but his true nature remained a mystery.
Meanwhile, Shen Du and Pan Chi led several brothers from the Grand Secretariat in pursuit of the culprit.
As they traveled, Pan Chi continued to grumble, “Isn’t it excessive for so many of us to chase after one bride-snatcher? In my opinion, you could lead them in the pursuit, while I return to protect Madam Zhu’s safety.”
As he finished speaking, Pan Chi suddenly stopped, ready to act on his words. This was his usual style – acting on impulse without regard for others’ opinions. He simply disliked being around Shen Du, the cold-faced Yama.
However, just as he turned to leave, a sword pressed against his shoulder.
“My wife isn’t as weak as you think,” Shen Du said coldly, his hand holding the sword without mercy. “You only need to accompany me in pursuing the culprit.”
“Grand Chancellor, are you so confident in Madam Zhu’s luck?” Pan Chi remained motionless, his back to Shen Du, deliberately emphasizing the words “Madam Zhu.” “What if this is just a trap set by the culprit? Or what if their real target is Madam Zhu?”
Pan Chi’s words caused Shen Du’s heart to sink, and his eyes to grow colder.
He had considered this possibility before. If this had happened in Chang’an, it might have been plausible. But they were far from home, and Jinglin was with him and Zhu Yan. Who would dare to harm her?
This man simply thought that with Shen Du away from Zhu Yan’s side, he’d have more time to spend with her. How cunning.
In truth, Pan Chi was just making up excuses, but Shen Du, concerned for Zhu Yan, had fallen for it.
“I’ve already assigned people to protect her. Young Master Pan need not worry about my wife’s safety. Right now, our priority is catching the culprit,” Shen Du said.
Hearing this, Pan Chi felt truly helpless. He knew Shen Du wouldn’t leave Zhu Yan alone in such a place. But he simply didn’t want to chase the culprit with Shen Du. Moreover, he was a detective, not a bounty hunter, and certainly not Shen Du’s subordinate. Why should he follow his every order?
Feeling deeply frustrated, he had only wanted to find an excuse to leave, but Shen Du had stopped him again.
Seeing Pan Chi fall silent, Shen Du felt a hint of satisfaction. He had finally won a round, though it was a pity Zhu Yan hadn’t witnessed it.
“Young Master Pan, we can’t waste any more time. Let’s go,” Shen Du said, his sword pressing closer to Pan Chi.
Pan Chi’s face darkened with resignation as he reluctantly pushed away Shen Du’s hand and walked ahead.
Shen Du, unperturbed by this, wore a meaningful smile as he elegantly twirled his sword before sheathing it.
You’re not skilled enough to outsmart me yet, he thought.
As the group continued their search, they soon spotted a panicked figure stumbling towards them in the dim moonlight.
“Who goes there?” Pan Chi quickly inquired. The poor lighting made it difficult to discern the person’s features, but he could tell it was a man from the silhouette.
The others halted, and Shen Du also raised his guard, focusing intently on the approaching figure.
The man appeared extremely flustered and seemed not to have heard Pan Chi’s question, continuing to stumble forward.
What could have happened? Was there some monstrous flood chasing him?
Perplexed, Shen Du saw the man was about to collide with them. Without hesitation, he pushed Pan Chi into the man’s path to block him.
Pan Chi looked at Shen Du in shock and disbelief. Despite his vast knowledge and martial prowess, he never expected that Shen Du, the dignified Grand Chancellor, would act so unprincipled as to use him as a human shield.